Rodgers: Coutinho's a Wonderful Technician Who Will Only Improve

Brendan Rodgers has warned Liverpool's rivals that new signing Philippe Coutinho will only get better in the coming weeks as he is still way short of full fitness.

The Brazilian scored on his Premier League debut against Swansea and followed up that impressive display with two assists in the 4-0 demolition of Wigan at the weekend.

Brendan Rodgers believes there will be much more to come from Philippe Coutinho once he is fully fit. [Reuters]

Coutinho provided the cross for Stewart Downing to hand Liverpool the lead before a precise through ball found Luis Suarez who coolly converted for his first of the evening.

While Suarez received many of the accolades for his hat-trick, it was Coutinho who earned praise from his manager who was keen to point out that there is much more to come from the Brazilian.

"He's adapted and fit in very well. He's a very talented young player who is a wonderful technician," Rodgers told the official Liverpool website. "Tactically, he participates in the game well and understands this way of working and playing.

"He created two goals with two assists against Wigan and was very impressive. He's still getting his fitness - he's up to 65/70 minutes now but as each day goes by he's getting stronger. So far, he's shown to be a very good signing for us."

Coutinho only arrived towards the end of January but it seems he has already made a big impression on his Liverpool teammates as Downing was also quick to praise the midfielder's performance.

"He's had two good games. He will find it hard physically because this is different from the two leagues he's played in," Downing told The Sun.

"I think he's settled in well and he's had two really good performances. If he can keep playing like that - and with Luis Suarez banging in the goals - then we've got a really good chance [of a good finish to the season]."

The 20-year-old is expected to play a major role in the remainder of the season as Liverpool attempt to climb up the table and secure European football for next season.